The Slacker

‘Few people at the Grand Theatre yesterday realised that they were present at a “first night.” “The Slacker,” written by Miss Henrietta Schrier and Mr. Lodge-Percy, and presented by Mr. Fred. J. Little, is a brand new production, and fare, apparently, much to the liking of Nottingham patrons of melodrama. Its essentially topical flavour made a powerful appeal’ (Nottingham Evening Post, 28 March 1916). ‘Miss Henrietta Schrier. and Mr. Lodge Percy’s latest play, “The Slacker,” was produced for the first time on any stage by Mr Fred J. Little at the Grand Theatre last night, and was accorded a cordial reception. As the title suggests, the villain of the piece is a young man who will not do his duty to his country, and the manner in which he is finally roped in by the Compulsion Act constitutes the finale. The play went very smoothly indeed for a first night, the one or two little hitches almost inevitable on such occasions scarcely being noticeable’ (Nottingham Guardian, 28 March 1916, as quoted in an advertisement for The Slacker in The Era, 5 April 1916). ‘A product of the war. though not a war play. “The Slacker,” which Mr. Fred Little is presenting for the first time in Nottingham, at the Grind Theatre this week, deserves to score heavily for the very admirable piece of dramatic composition it is. When it is mentioned that the play is based on the theme employed by Tennyson in “Enoch Arden,’ and that the Enoch Arden in this case is a British soldier, the parallel will be more or less apparent, and one feels one need do little more than add a word in praise of a very efficient company, which includes E. Warden, Dennis Leslie, J. W. Wilkinson, Maud Elliott, Flo Bevan, and Margaret Frame. Last night “The Slacker” made an instantaneous appeal to a numerous audience’ (Nottingham Journal, 28 March 1916). A virile performance of “The Slacker” was given to a highly appreciative house on Monday by the company of Mr. Fred Little' (The Era, 29 March 1916). 'The enterprising Mr. Fred J. Little has added another excellent pay to his already numerous ventures, and that the audience found it to their liking was sufficiently evinced by frequent applause and several curtains. The authors have evolved a very interesting and dramatic story of domestic life, which loses nothing of its intensity by being set in humble surroundings ... [the plot is summarised] ... Miss Margaret Frame acted earnestly and with much pathos as Nell Marsden; Miss Flo Bevan gave a tactful interpretation of the betrayed Eva Steele; Mr. Dennis Leslie developed the part of Ned Marsden on convincing and attractive lines; Mr. E. Warden did not mince matters in his depiction of the callous knavery of Phil Murket; very natural interpretations of the old father and mother came from Mr. J. W. Wilkinson and Miss Maud Elliott. The humorous element was effectively sustained by Mr. Sydney T. Russell and Miss Pollie Denville, whose drollery was decidedly refreshing. Minor parts were capably sustained’ (The Era, 5 April 1916). '‘In their latest play, the authors of When the Angelus is Ringing and other plays have struck a vein in which strong dramatic interest is combined with an air of pleasant domesticity. Obviously there is apt use in a title that embodies salient consideration of an absorbing subject, and in this association the play supplies a wholesome lesson ... [the plot is summarised] ... Whilst the sober tints are judiciously accentuated, the piece is brightened by much humour, wherein Mr. Sydney T. Russell adds to his reputation for resourcefulness. Playing in a Lancashire strain, he adapts himself to the author’s adroitly contrived notion of the predilection of Steve’s sweetheart for moving pictures, wherein Steve wins her esteem by impersonations which are as smart as they are lifelike, of such of her favourite subjects as Maurice Costello, the Clutching Hand, Broncho Bill, and Charlie Chaplin, going to the extent of so humouring her as to be married wearing the habiliments of the redoubtable Broncho. The play, which was ably staged, with new scenery of an effective character, met with an encouraging reception from a large audience on Monday night, warranting the anticipation that Nottingham, which has witnessed the first nights of various successful dramatic ventures, may add The Slacker to its list. In that event, the authors will be much indebted to the discriminating selection which has been evidenced in regard to a company entrusted with the representation’ (The Stage, 6 April 1916).

The Era, 5 April 1916, advertised ‘The new “up to the minute” play, The Slacker, quoting from a review in the Nottingham Guardian of 28 March 1916. This week, Grand Theatre, Lancaster.

The Era, 5 April 1916, advertised ‘The new “up to the minute” play, The Slacker, quoting from a review in the Nottingham Guardian of 28 March 1916. Next week, Theatre Royal, Tyldesey.

‘“The Slacker,” with which Mr Albert Sember is to open his sixty-sixth consecutive week at the Theatre Royal on Monday next, is described as being an up-to-the-minute drama, being one of the latest of its kind. It is sufficient recommendation to say that its authors are Miss Henrietta Schrier and Mr Lodge Percy, than whom there are no more popular dramatists at the present time. A powerful cast announced’. Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 8 April 1916.

‘Fred. J. Little’s company are here [the Palace, Rochdale}, giving two performances nightly of The Slacker’ (The Stage, 20 April 1916). ‘“The Slacker,” which has been capably acted by Mr. F. J. Little’s company twice nightly this week at the Palace, Great George-street, has been greatly appreciated by large audiences' (Rochdale Observer, 22 April 1916).

The Stage, 27 April 1916, listed The Slacker as On Tour from 24 April at the Pavilion, Pontnewynydd. ‘The Slacker … played here [the Pavilion] on Monday to packed houses. The principal parts are in the capable hands of E. Warden, Dennis Leslie, J. W. Wilkinson, Sydney T. Russell, Margaret Frame, Flo Bevan, Pollie Denville, and Maud Elliott’ (The Stage, 27 April 1916).

The Era, 26 April 1916, advertised The Slacker: next week, T.R., Liverpool.

The Era, 10 May 1916, reported at the Opera House, Scarborough: ‘Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Mr. Fred. T. [sic – J.] Little and Co., in “The Slacker.” The company includes Messrs. E. Warden, Dennis Leslie, J. W. Wilkinson, Sydney T. Russel, Fenton Wyngate, Dick Danvers, Alfred Stone, Eric Langley, Peter Johns, Misses Maud Elliott, Pollie Denville, Flo Bevan, and Margaret Frame’. The Stage, 11 May 1916, reported that Fred J. Little’s company would present The Slacker on Thursday-Saturday at the Opera House, Scarborough.

‘Fred. J. Little’s company are presenting The Slacker [at the Prince’s, Bradford], in which the interest centres around the villainy of Phil Murket, a character forcibly portrayed by E. Warden. Margaret Frame is a charming Nell Marsden. Flo Bevan gives a sympathetic reading of Eva Steele. Sydney T. Russell is decidedly amusing as Steve Ingersoll, and receives effective support from Pollie Denville as Mattie Steele’. The Stage, 18 May 1916.

‘The Slacker, presented by Fred. J. Little’s company, is the attraction here [the Temperance Hall, Merthyr Tydfil]’. The Stage, 25 May 1916.

‘A thoroughly up-to-date play, “The Slacker,” is the attraction this week at the Theatre Royal, where the two performances a night system continues to enjoy considerable popularity. It is described as a story of a modern Enoch Arden, and the authors, Miss Henrietta Schrier and Mr Percy Lodge, are to be congratulated on the construction of the play, while they have infused into it a pathos which is true to life. The serious side of the work is, of course, paramount, but the happy introduction of two breezy characters provides the necessary contrast with their amusing sallies at the expense of the slacker. There is a true ring of patriotism in the play, and when the slacker was told in pretty straight terms a few home truths, the audiences last night were very enthusiastic. There are several very effective situations in the play, and they are fully realised by the well-balanced company entrusted by Mr Fred. J. Little with the production. The difficult part of Phil Murket is well handled by Mr. E. Warden, while the Ned Marsden of Mr W. Dennis Leslie instantly wins the sympathies of the audience. Miss Margaret Frame and Miss Flo Bevan as Nell Marden and Eva Steele respectively, are responsible for true studies, and others who deserve special mention are Miss Pollie Denville as Mattie Steele, Miss Maud Elliott as Nora Steele, Mr Peter Johns as the Rev. Thomas Bond, Mr J. W. Wilkinson as David Steele, Mr Sydney T. Russell as Steve Ingersoll, and Mr Fenton Wingate as Dennis le Grande. “The Slacker” is well mounted, and should enjoy a very successful week at the “Old”‘ (Western Daily Press, 30 May 1916). ‘Fred. J. Little’s company are presenting The Slacker [at the Royal, Bristol], and the twice-nightly performances are attracting large attendances' (The Stage, 1 June 1916).

‘An amusing burlesque of the cinema dramatic film is quite the best part the play, “The Slacker” - a piece with strong emotional qualities, which will make an effective appeal to the patrons of the Theatre Royal, this week. The burlesque is part of the work of the light comedy couple who generally figure in the cast of the conventional melodrama. The comical eccentricity of the maiden in this case is a passion for the cinema, and she frequently startles her lover by dramatically reciting parts of stories of the “clutching hand,” and Broncho Billy type. She longs to be loved by a man who will bury her in an ice-chest, spirit her away to the Wild West, and treat her to other such exciting times. To turn the tables, he assumes the disguise of a member of the clutching-hand gang, and visits the young lady. Her terror when the black clutching hand appears through a half-closed door, and the subsequent scene between her and the disguised one, is screamingly funny. Another little scene of considerable merit is one in which an old couple who have been brought to the workhouse by the vicissitudes the plot, meet in a cottage on their afternoon out. Their quiet homely conversation is very real and pathetic, without overacting or any approach to bathos’ (Yorkshire Evening Post, 6 June 1916).

‘The Slacker is being presented [at the Royal, Oldham). E. Harden [sic – Warden] as Phil Murket is decidedly successful, his portrayal having the polish and finish worthy of the principal rôle. Dennis Leslie is no less effective as Ned Marsden. As Dave Steele J. H. Wilkinson performs with credit. Margaret Frame gives a capital rendering of the rôle of Nell Marsden, as does Flo Bevan of Eva Steele’. The Stage, 15 June 1916.

‘“The Man Who Came Back,” a story of a modern Enoch Arden, is to be the attraction at the Alexandra Theatre. It will be presented by Mr. Fred J. Little's company’ (Birmingham Daily Post, 17 June 1916). ‘"The Man Who Came Back,” the attraction at the Alexandra Theatre, contains plenty of thrills and a fair amount of bright comedy. Mr. F. J. Little’s company is a good one, and last night the honours were carried off by Messrs. E. Warden, Dennis Leslie, Miss Margaret Frame, and Miss Flo Bevan’ (Evening Despatch, 20 June 1916). ‘“The Man Who Came Back," the story of modern Enoch Arden, which is being played at the Alexandra Theatre this week by Mr. Fred J. Little's company, has all the elements that make for a popular success. It is, briefly, the story of man who enlists, is reported dead, and returns to find his wife married to another man. In the unfolding of the plot there are many thrilling situations, but happily all ends well. There were excellent audiences at both performances last night, and the play was accorded a hearty reception. The company all round is a satisfactory one, and the piece was admirably staged’ (Birmingham Mail, 20 June 1916). ‘Melodrama containing a good supply of bright comedy and based on the war provides excellent entertainment. "The Man Who Came Back,” which is staged at the Alexandra Theatre this week, is a play of this type, and is well adapted for the twice-nightly system. Good work is done by Messrs. J. Cullin [sic - Cullen], E. Warden. D. Leslie, and the Misses Flo Bevan and Margaret Frame in the leading parts, while the piece is well staged’ (Birmingham Daily Gazette, 20 June 1916). ‘There are plenty of thrills and pathetic moments in “The Man Who Came Back,” which was presented at the Alexandra Theatre last night, and will occupy the boards for the remainder of the week. The play was produced by Mr. Fred J. Little's company, which includes three or four actors of exceptional ability. The story, the programme admits, resembles that which Tennyson has woven around the hapless Enoch Arden, and has much in it that offers scope for good acting. Miss Margaret Frame as Nell Marsden is responsible for some excellent work, and Mr. E. Warden, in the role of the ne'er-do-well Phil Murket, succeeds in arousing the ire of the gods, which is a testimonial to histrionic talent. Mr. Dennis Leslie is the man who came back - it need not be said - from the war, and he performed his part satisfactorily. Humour is judiciously interspersed, and there is no lack of fun in an otherwise pathetic drama’ ( Birmingham Daily Post, 20 June 1916). ‘The Man Who Came Back is having a hearty welcome here [the Alexandra, Birmingham] this week (The Stage, 22 June 1916).

‘This week Mr, Fred J. Little’s company have been appearing [at the Theatre Royal, Jarrow] with success in “The Slacker.” The title role is ably filled by Mr. E. Warden as Phil Murket, a man who has a decided objection fighting. Murket succeeds very well for a time in deceiving people to his real character and marries his friend’s wife when the husband is reported killed. Mr. Dennis Leslie takes the part of Ned Marsden, a man who does his duty. He leaves his wife and child in the care of those at home. Mr. Leslie gives a fine rendering of the part and is cordially greeted each evening. Miss Margaret Frame takes the part of Nell Marsden, Ned’s wife, with success. She is very fond of her husband, but when news comes of his death she listens to Murket’s proposal, more so as he promises to look after her father and mother. Having got married he behaves badly to the aged couple. Retribution overtakes him, for Ned comes back again. Mr. Albert Carlton takes the part of Red Horrocks, a friend of Murket’s, with success. He helps the Slacker in his early plans, but when he descends to the bottom of the ladder Horrocks tells the truth and exposes the schemer in his true colours. Miss Flo Bevan as Eva Steele takes the part with complete success. She is a victim of the Slacker, who casts her off. She exposes his villainy when he comes from the church after marrying her sister. She leaves her home but is brought back again by the kindly efforts of a local minister. It is a part to which the lady does full justice and she carries the audience with her from start to finish. Mr. John Cullen is very good as Dave Steele, and Miss Maude Elliott takes the part of Nora Steele. The old people are very happy with their family until news comes that their son-in-law is killed. Mr. Fenton Wingate makes a capable clergyman as the Rev. Dennis Bond. He is in love with Eva and proves a true friend to her. The lighter side of the play is in the able hands of Mr. Clarence Rayner as Steve Ingersoll and Miss Pollie Denville as Mattie Steele. They are responsible for a great deal of amusement. Mattie does not care for the Slacker and lets him know it. Other parts are Mr. Dick Danvers as Inspector James and Mr. Alfred Stone as William. The piece is well staged and has been greatly enjoyed each evening. Jarrow Express, 30 June 1916.

‘“The Man Who Came Back” has been selected for the last week of E. Hill Mitchelson’s present season. It is proving a genuine. Fred Marsden is seen at his best as Phil Murket, and Ned Marsden has a fine exponent in Fred Edwin. Violet Carlyle is again to be complimented on her finished work displayed in her impersonation of Nell Marsden. This talented lady takes a well-earned benefit on Friday’. The Stage, 29 June 1916.

‘“The Slacker,” written by Miss Henrietta Schrier and Mr. Lodge Percy (authors of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” etc.) will be presented [next week] at the Royal by Mr. Fred J. Little’s Company’ (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Friday 17 November 1916). ‘“The Slacker,” a story of a modern “Enoch Arden,” a well acted and very interesting domestic play, forms the attraction at the Royal’ (Sheffield Independent, 21 November 1916).

The Era, 29 November 1916, listed The Slacker as On The Road from 27 November at the Metropole, Gateshead.

The Era, 29 November 1916, listed The Slacker as On The Road from 27 November at the Metropole, Gateshead.

‘Unlike most villains in plays, Phil Murket did not go to gaol when his misdeeds were exposed. The policeman asked him, “Are you working on munitions? Are you exempt?” The reply was in the negative, and the inspector said, “Then come with me to the recruiting office,” and so the curtain was rung down on “The Slacker” at the Grand Theatre last night. It is a charming little domestic play, with an interesting and wholesome and enjoyable comedy. All the characters are well sustained. E. Warden’s acting in the title role being exceptionally good. Mr. Fred Lloyd handled the character of the manly parson extremely well, and Mr. Dennis Leslie found favour as Ned Marsden. Miss Lily Harrold and Miss Constance Carew aroused much sympathy by their capable interpretations of the characters of Nell and Eva’. Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 5 December 1916.

The Shields Daily News, 12 December 1916, advertised twice nightly at the North Shields Theatre Royal ‘Fred J. Little’s new and powerful drama – “The Slacker” (the story of a modern Enoch Arden)’. ‘A play with a topical interest is being presented this week at the North Shields Theatre Royal, and good audiences last evening showed hearty appreciation. It is entitled “The Slacker, the Story of a Modem Enoch Arden," and a leading character is a young man employed in a munitions works. The plot is well constructed, and the drama has strong domestic and emotional interest, relieved by touches of amusing comedy. Mr Fred J. Little, who is responsible for the production, has secured a very capable company, including Mr E. Warden, Mr Dennis Leslie, Mr A. Tyndall, Mr Clarence H. Rayner, Mr Fred Lloyd, Mr Will Aynesworth, Mr Alfred Stone, Mr Fred Montgomery, Miss Maud Elliot, Miss Helene Moore, Miss Constance Carewe, and Miss Lily Harrold’ (Shields Daily News, 12 December 1916).